Karachi: Six Pakistani seafarers injured in a recent Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea have safely returned to Pakistan, while the mortal remains of two Pakistani sailors killed in the assault have also been brought home.
The sailors were among the crew of the Tanzania-flagged vessel Tihamah, which was attacked on August 11 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The assault reportedly killed four seafarers, including three Pakistanis and one Indonesian, while several others were injured.
Injured sailors brought back safely
According to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the six injured Pakistani sailors were repatriated on Thursday.
Saudi Airlines flight SV700 carried the bodies of the two deceased Pakistani sailors along with two injured crew members. The remaining four injured sailors travelled to Karachi aboard Pakistan International Airlines flight PK-762.
Officials from the Saudi Embassy and the Pakistani government received the sailors and the mortal remains at Karachi airport.
Government assures support to families
Dar said authorities had been instructed to ensure the safe, dignified and swift repatriation of the sailors. He also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia for their efforts in facilitating the return of the injured crew and the bodies from Yemen.
The Pakistani government also acknowledged assistance from Saudi authorities, including medical support and arrangements provided in Jeddah.
Families had sought urgent action
The repatriation followed sustained pressure from the families of the sailors, who had repeatedly held media conferences seeking government intervention and the safe return of their loved ones.
Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack and reiterated its position that the safety and security of seafarers must be protected.
The government said it would continue providing assistance to the injured sailors and families who lost relatives in the deadly attack.